Firm to sell influenza vaccine in China

Staff writer, with CNA

Adimmune Corp (國光生技), the only producer of human influenza vaccines in Taiwan, is expected to acquire drug approval and marketing certification for its flu vaccine in China by the middle of this year, which would make it the first company to be allowed to sell Taiwan-made vaccines in China.

The Taichung-based company has completed clinical trials with 1,200 volunteers in China’s Guangxi Province for its trivalent flu vaccine, the company said in a press release yesterday.

The vaccine is expected to acquire drug approval and marketing certification from Chinese authorities within a few months, Adimmune said, adding that sales could begin by the end of the year.

If the application procedures go smoothly, Adimmune will create a new market and a new revenue source, the company said.

Meanwhile, the firm, one of the world’s first GMP vaccine manufacturers to begin research into the development of a vaccine against H7N9 avian flu, also announced that it will begin a second phase of human trials for its H7N9 vaccine in March.

Adimmune said it would continue with research and development so that it can launch mass production at any time should the authorities require supplies.

A total of 148 confirmed H7N9 cases were reported around the world last year.

There were 48 fatalities, according to Ministry of Health and Welfare data.